When U.S. veteran Robin Dresen was diagnosed with stage 4 head and neck cancer, he nearly walked away from treatment. Today, he has no signs of disease. 

What changed Dresen’s mind was hearing, for the first time, that his cancer could possibly be cured. That new outlook led to his enrollment in a national clinical trial, made possible through a nationally recognized clinical research system that MCW has spent decades building.

This longstanding leadership recently earned MCW renewed designation as a Lead Academic Participating Site (LAPS) within the National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN), a nationwide research network of leading institutions that collaborate on large cancer clinical studies. The six-year, $3.9 million award from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) supports the infrastructure needed to advance innovative cancer trials and emerging therapies.

“This is a big honor because the institutions that receive this award are among the best. Being part of this elite network allows us to open more studies and ensures our patients are offered the very latest investigational therapies,” said Stuart Wong, MD, LAPS Principal Investigator.

LAPS institutions are recognized for their ability to enroll high numbers of patients onto national studies and help lead the design and conduct of cancer research across the country. The funding supports the teams, systems, and research leadership needed to open national cancer studies, advance cutting-edge therapies, and bring more trial opportunities to patients in Wisconsin and beyond.

With more than 200 active cancer clinical trials annually, the largest program in Wisconsin, MCW already serves as a critical lifeline for patients with both common and rare cancers. The renewed LAPS award grows its reach and influence through collaborations like the NCTN and reinforces its leadership in shaping the future of cancer care.

For patients like Dresen, it means access to new treatment options that could change the course of a diagnosis.

World-Class Cancer Care, ‘Right Here in Wisconsin’

Robin Dresen had delayed seeing a doctor after his family experienced a tragedy, not wanting to place another burden on them. But after experiencing symptoms for months, he finally sought care at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center (VA), where a rapid series of scans, biopsies, and appointments led to a stage 4 head and neck cancer diagnosis.

“At first, I didn’t want treatment,” said Dresen. “I figured I had lived a good life. I’ve seen what cancer can do, and I didn’t want to go through that.”

After hearing he might have about a year to live without treatment, compared to three to five years with treatment, Dresen initially decided against it. His wife urged him to reconsider and soon after, he met Elizabeth Gore, MD, FACR, a radiation oncologist at the VA.

“She brought me into her office and said, ‘Are you crazy? We can possibly cure this,’” Dresen recalled. “My wife lit up.”

What followed was a treatment plan built around the national NRG-HN009 trial for patients with locoregionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The phase II/III study compares two approaches to delivering cisplatin chemotherapy with radiation: a higher dose every three weeks or a lower dose every week.

“This study is asking a very important, basic question,” explained Dr. Gore. “How should chemotherapy be given? Should patients receive it once a week, or a higher dose once every three weeks, along with radiation?”

NRG-HN009 was opened independently at the VA through its role as an NRG Oncology affiliate member of MCW. Patient enrollment at the VA strengthens MCW’s role within the NCTN and supports its LAPS designation, helping veterans in Wisconsin access national clinical trials close to home while contributing to studies that may shape future standards of care across the country.

“We open trials that are appropriate for the veteran population and based on the disease sites we see,” said Dr. Gore. “Robin was an excellent candidate for the trial based on the disease and stage of cancer that he had.”

Dresen underwent chemotherapy and radiation while battling side effects severe enough that he nearly stopped treatment multiple times.

“If it wasn’t for my wife and my team, I wouldn’t have made it,” he said.

At the same time, participating in the trial felt like another form of service and an opportunity to help future patients facing cancer. 

He remembers veterans encouraging one another in the waiting room, staff who made the hospital feel like a home away from home, and trainees arriving early because they wanted to learn. For Dr. Wong, that commitment to research and learning is one of the most important parts of the LAPS award.

“It’s really gratifying to see junior faculty stepping into leadership roles and taking programs to the next level,” said Dr. Wong. “That’s how you continue building stronger clinical trials programs and continue moving cancer research forward.”

Today, Dresen feels like himself again. “They’re saying I have no signs of disease. I’ve finished chemotherapy and radiation, and I feel back to normal. I feel great.”

Now, when he meets someone facing cancer, he tells them what he wishes more people knew.

“People think you have to go to places like Boston or New York for this level of care,” said Dresen. “But it’s right here in Wisconsin.”

Learn more about MCW cancer clinical research.